Jennifer Prete School of Dance

For over two decades, the Jennifer Prete School of Dance (JPSD) has been a beloved institution in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, shaping generations of dancers and instilling a lifelong love for the art of movement. Established in 2001, JPSD offers a warm, nurturing, and structured environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can thrive, whether they aspire to competitive excellence or simply wish to enjoy dance recreationally. The studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a community where students are encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and truly "bloom," as one proud parent shared.

Under the guidance of highly knowledgeable and dedicated staff, including the director Jennifer Prete Wasfy herself, JPSD focuses on both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Their commitment to a well-rounded dance curriculum ensures that students receive comprehensive training across various styles, fostering versatility and a deep appreciation for dance as an art form. From the earliest creative movement classes for toddlers to advanced levels for teens and adults, JPSD provides a supportive and inspiring space for every dancer's journey, making it a cornerstone of the performing arts scene in Southern Rhode Island.

The Jennifer Prete School of Dance is conveniently located at 1425 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA. This accessible address places the studio in a central and well-known area of South Kingstown, making it easy to reach for families residing throughout Southern Rhode Island, including neighboring towns like Narragansett, Charlestown, and North Kingstown. Kingstown Road is a primary thoroughfare, which ensures straightforward navigation for visitors and minimizes travel time for parents transporting their children to and from classes.

As a dedicated dance studio, the facility is designed to accommodate various classes and age groups, providing an appropriate and safe environment for dance instruction. While specific parking details are not always highlighted, established community-focused businesses like JPSD typically offer adequate parking facilities to ensure convenience for their clientele. The ease of access, combined with its location in a family-friendly town like South Kingstown, makes Jennifer Prete School of Dance an attractive and practical choice for Rhode Island families seeking quality dance education without the hassle of navigating congested urban areas.

• Creative Movement (Toddlers): Specialized 45-minute classes for the youngest dancers (ages 3-4), focusing on coordination, balance, and basic ballet/tap fundamentals in a fun, structured setting.
• Pre-Ballet & Tap: A 60-minute combination class for preschool-aged children, introducing foundational ballet and tap techniques.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Comprehensive instruction across a wide range of dance disciplines, including:
  • Ballet (including Pre-Pointe and Pointe)
  • Tap
  • Jazz (traditional, contemporary, funk)
  • Hip Hop (natural rhythm, pop-locking, urban styles)
  • Lyrical (combination of Jazz and Ballet, focusing on fluidity and emotional expression)
  • Contemporary/Modern (interpretive dance drawing from modern techniques)
  • Acro (acrobatics for dancers)
  • Cheer Dance
  • Musical Theatre
• Acting and Voice: Classes that expand beyond dance to include instruction in acting and vocal performance, contributing to a well-rounded performing arts education.
• Structured Levels: Classes are offered across various levels, from Level 1 (beginners) through advanced levels (Levels 6, 7, 8 & 9, and specific Teen Ballet levels), ensuring appropriate challenges and progression for all students.
• Recreational and Competitive Programs: Opportunities for dancers to grow in both recreational settings for enjoyment and competitive programs for those demonstrating dedication and higher skill levels.
• Adult Classes: Specific 45-minute classes for adults, including Tap & Jazz, providing an opportunity for adult learners to pursue their passion for dance.
• Free Trial Class & Studio Tours: New students are invited to schedule a studio tour and take a free trial class to experience the JPSD environment firsthand.
• Community Partnerships: JPSD partners with organizations like Traveling Tutus Inc. to help deliver the gift of dance to children, demonstrating a commitment to wider community support.

• Highly Knowledgeable and Dedicated Staff: As highlighted by parents, "All the staff are very knowledgeable in their expertise of dance and push my daughter to be the best dancer she can be!" This dedication ensures high-quality instruction and continuous student growth.
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Reviews emphasize that JPSD creates a space where children can "bloom" and "step out of their comfort zone and shine." The "warm, nurturing, structured, and family-oriented positive environment" is a core tenet, fostering confidence and a love for dance.
• Comprehensive and Well-Rounded Curriculum: JPSD offers an impressive breadth of classes, covering over 10 different dance styles, plus acting and voice. This wide array, coupled with a belief in a "well rounded dance curriculum," provides students with diverse artistic experiences.
• Focus on Technical Fundamentals from an Early Age: A parent noted, "I also like how she starts working on technique and the fundamentals at a very early age," indicating a strong foundation-first approach that sets students up for long-term success.
• Positive Performance Experiences: Parents express pride in seeing their children "smile on stage at her recital, and do her dances with out any stage fright," showcasing JPSD's success in preparing students for confident stage performances.
• Reputation and Experience: Established in 2001, JPSD has a long-standing reputation for excellence. The director, Jennifer Prete Wasfy, is actively involved in classes, ensuring high levels of dance education.
• Inclusivity: The studio caters to "dancers of all ages and abilities," offering both recreational and competitive tracks, and even provides tuition discounts for military, police, firefighter, and college families, as well as sibling discounts, making dance accessible.

Address: 1425 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA

Phone: (401) 792-4990

For families in Rhode Island, particularly those in Southern Rhode Island and the South Kingstown area, the Jennifer Prete School of Dance offers an unparalleled experience for dance education and personal development. Its convenient location on Kingstown Road in South Kingstown ensures easy accessibility for local residents, making it a practical choice for incorporating dance into busy family schedules. The studio's long-standing presence since 2001 has cemented its reputation as a trusted and cherished institution within the community.

What truly makes JPSD exceptional and highly suitable for locals are the core values and features highlighted by satisfied parents. The "knowledgeable" and "attentive" staff are dedicated to pushing students to be their best, fostering growth not just in dance technique but also in confidence and self-expression. The "warm, nurturing, and family-oriented positive environment" ensures that every child feels supported and encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, leading to heartwarming moments like smiling confidently on stage at recitals. With a comprehensive curriculum covering over 20 dance styles, from foundational ballet and tap for toddlers to advanced contemporary and musical theatre for teens and adults, JPSD caters to a wide spectrum of interests and skill levels.

For Rhode Islanders seeking a place where their children can develop discipline, creativity, and physical grace in a supportive and fun setting, Jennifer Prete School of Dance is an ideal choice. It’s a local gem that doesn't just teach dance; it cultivates a love for the arts, builds resilience, and creates lasting positive memories, enriching the lives of individuals and the cultural fabric of the Southern Rhode Island community.

Jennifer Prete School of Dance

1425 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA